In 1971, John Gatu proposed a moratorium on the sending of foreign funds and missionaries to Churches in Africa to allow them to discover their identity, self-reliance, curb unhealthy dependency, and challenge missionary-sending churches to reconsider and refine their mission strategies to foster healthier relationships and equality in mission. The proposal was well-intentioned, but its demands were too drastic to be implemented without severing collaborations and generosity with overseas partners. As a remedy, it was suggested that honest partnership, interdependence, equality, and mature relationships in mission be strongly cultivated. However, the remedies were essential but inadequate; fifty years have elapsed, but studies and the covid-19 pandemic reveal the deepening polarization and inequalities between the rich and the poor in the world today.
This paper examines the moratorium analytically and qualitatively to understand its motives and proposes 'Mission Jubilee' as a hopeful paradigm to tackle the concerns of the moratorium while encouraging healthier relationships, generosity, interdependency, equality, and partnership in God's mission. The Jubilee paradigm is fundamental because it embodies the frequent need for repentance, revitalization, good stewardship, justice, and fair economics in mission. It promotes holistic restoration, liberation, and provide equal opportunities for empowerment and development to all people and creates a world where conscientious principles guide actions and decision-making. It highlights our responsibility to care for one another and creation, as God's stewards, and challenges everyone to live responsibly, productively, and interdependently with respect and dignity.